清中期 玉十二生肖俑|Twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac
Unknown Artist
18th–19th century
Medium
Jade (nephrite)
Dimensions
Overall (each approx.): H. 2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm); W. 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm)
Classification
Jade
Culture & Period
China · Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Heber R. Bishop, 1902
Accession Number
02.18.730a–l
Tags
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Asian Art galleries of the Metropolitan Museum of, this exquisite set of twelve nephrite jade figurines depicts the animals of the Chinese zodiac—, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. Crafted during China's Qing dynasty (1644–1911), the 18th–19th, each petite sculpture stands about 2¼ inches tall and 1¾ inches wide, showcasing the era's mastery of jade carving. Nephrite jade, revered in Chinese culture for its luminous green hue, toughness, and symbolic ties to purity and immortality, was a favored medium for imperial workshops. Qing ar...